How to Celebrate Feliz día del niño with Kids at Home

When you live in a multi-cultural family, there are unique traditions, holidays and special moments you want to share with your children, even when you're living home away from home. Feliz dia del nino is the perfect holiday to share these experiences.

We're living at home in the US but holding onto culture from our homelands. This is our journey to honoring, celebrating and sharing the special moments from Mexico, Diné Bikéyah and life in the United States. 

If you're a raising multi-cultural children, like us, then you're in the right place!

This post is all about how to celebrate Feliz Dia Del Nino with kids at home.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights" James 1:17

What is Feliz Día del Niño?

On April 30th throughout Mexico and parts of Latin America, a special day is celebrated to honor children's importance and uniqueness to society.

Feliz día del niño! Which translates for us English speakers to "Happy Children's Day!" or "Happy Day of the Child".

It is a day focused on fun, festivals, gifts, and school festivities to ensure children feel seen, heard and valued. This is also a day to recognize parents, grandparents, families and communities to focus on acknowledging the significant role our children play in our lives, honoring them. 

Key Details on Feliz Dia Del Nino:
When: April 30th
Meaning: Happy Children's Day!
Purpose: To honor and celebrate children, highlight their importance to society and families.
Activities: Hosting a party, offer gifts or planning a special outing/day

Why We Choose to Celebrate Feliz Día del Niño in the US

While living in the US, we're living home away from home. In other words, we live in 2 different worlds, experiences, family traditions, holidays and separate upbrings, as parents.

Our children are experiencing 3 worlds, 3 languages, and 3 unique experiences. They are American, Mexican and Diné. They are shaped by these 3 tongues, 3 lifelong lessons and teachings from these 3 worlds.

We are choosing to honor and share each world from which they are each born from, it's truly unique.

If you're a family who is raising multi-cultural or multi-language children, then we're here with you during your own journey of honoring each world, each tongue, and each life experience to pass on to our children. 

How to Celebrate at Home

If your family is new to Feliz Dia Del Nino, there are several ways to celebrate that is right for your family. It's about family time (no pressure, no performance)! Here are several ways to celebrate at home:

Mexican-Inspired Tradition ideas (Rooted/Cultured):

- Visit a local panadería for a special treat
- Create papel picado crafts together
- Break a small piñata at home (even a mini one)
- Make carne asada for dinner

American-Style Fun (Easy & Playful):

- Surprise them with balloons & gift basket in the morning
- Surprise trip to the jump park (great for little ones)
- Have a yes day (within reason )
- Go to the park or splash pad
- Enjoy a family game night

Intentional & Meaningful Ideas:

- Unplug from phone/social media for the day
- Write them a short letter about how much you appreciate them
- Give a small regalo (toy, book, or meaningful item)
- Pray over your children & thanking God for their presence/purpose
- Capture a few photos then putting phone away (to stay present)

Blended/Multi-Cultural Ideas:

- Teach them why you celebrate this day
- Make a traditional dinner with a dessert outing
- Dance to cultural music with your kids (love this)
- Share stories of your childhood with your kids

Simple Reminder: It doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. Children remember how they felt, not how much was spent.

Meaningful & Fun Gifts to Offer Your Children

Whether your child's love language is quality time, words of affirmation, receiving gifts, physical touch or acts of service, a meaningful way to show gratitude of the love you have for them is by writing it down.

We love this memory & keepsake journal by Paige Tate & Co.'s by Korie Herold (author) to write down and share your family's story. A beautiful keepsake to share childhood stories, personal wisdom and lessons of life from their role model. Links provided here:

Dad's Story Journal
Mom's Story Journal

For The Littles

If you have toddlers or preschool-aged littles, follow our simple 5 rule gift guide idea here (great for holiday gift guides too):
- Something they love
- Something to read
- Something to do
- Something to eat (or drink)
- Something they need (optional)

Mom Tip: If you're looking for a simple & easy way to tell your children how much you love and appreciate them, surprise them on Feliz Día del Niño by writing 5 things on a sticky note then place them on their room door. Easy!

Culture Lives in What We Continue

We may not live where our traditions began but we can carry them into our children's own world in a simple and meaningful way. Children don't need extravagance, just presence.

Feliz Día del Niño is a way to remind our children of their purpose, recognize their strengths and encourage their aspirations. You don't need to put a price tag on something you already know how to do; love.

This post is all about how to celebrate Feliz Día del Niño.